Open a Pomegranate and Remove Seeds Cleanly

Learn how to cut and deseed a pomegranate quickly and cleanly with simple, reliable tips. Once you know this method, you’ll stop buying expensive ready-to-eat pomegranate arils. Prep them ahead and store them in the refrigerator to add vibrant flavor and color to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, cocktails, desserts and more.

My love of pomegranates began the first time I picked one from my grandfather’s tree. I tore it open and popped the juicy seeds into my mouth as fast as I could. I was messy — red-stained fingers and splatters on my shirt — but it was worth it. Over the years I refined a method that gets the arils out cleanly and quickly. Below you’ll find a straightforward step-by-step guide to cutting a pomegranate and removing the seeds in about five minutes, with minimal splatter.

Why you’ll love this method:

• Quick: cut and deseed a pomegranate in minutes while avoiding messy splatters.
• Cost effective: buying ready-to-eat arils is expensive — removing them yourself saves money.
• Make ahead: pomegranate arils can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.
• Versatile: use arils in salads, yogurt, oatmeal, cocktails, desserts, cheese boards and more.

Tools you’ll need

No special equipment required — just basic kitchen tools:

• Cutting board — wipe or wash promptly if juice lands on it to avoid staining.
• Sharp knife — a chef’s knife or paring knife will do.
• Glass mixing bowl — medium to large is best; higher sides help contain splatter.
• Wooden spoon or sturdy serving spoon — used to tap the back of the pomegranate and release the arils.

How to cut a pomegranate open

The key is to cut just through the outer husk without slicing through the arils. The red skin is thin, so you only need to penetrate the husk to separate the fruit into sections.

Pro tip: if the sections resist, use the knife tip or a butter knife to gently pry the fruit open rather than forcing a full cut.

1. Trim off the crown (the top) of the pomegranate.
2. Place the fruit on its side and insert the knife tip through the skin into the middle, just enough to cut the husk. Rotate the pomegranate and slice around it without cutting all the way through the fruit or arils.
3. Gently pry the pomegranate open along the cut. The sections should separate without smashing the seeds.

How to remove pomegranate seeds

Removing the arils is simple and oddly satisfying. Use a bowl to catch the seeds and a wooden spoon to give the fruit a few firm taps.

Pro tip: use a large bowl to contain any stray juice.

1. Hold each half and gently break sections apart just enough to loosen the arils from the membranes.
2. Hold a half cut-side down over the mixing bowl with your fingers spread. Firmly strike the back of the pomegranate with the wooden spoon; the arils will fall into the bowl. Rotate and tap all around so you extract seeds from the entire surface.
3. For any stubborn clusters that don’t fall away, open the section and use your fingers to lift the remaining arils out gently.

Ways to use pomegranate seeds

Once you have fresh arils, they add bright flavor and texture to many dishes. Ideas include:

• Toss into green salads, grain bowls or fruit salads for color and crunch.
• Use as a topping for yogurt, chia pudding, or overnight oats.
• Add to cocktails or mocktails as a festive garnish.
• Decorate cheesecakes, cakes or other desserts with a scattering of arils.
• Include on cheese or dessert boards for a pop of sweetness and color.
• Stir into cranberry or fruit sauces to enhance texture and appearance.

Notes and storage

• A medium to large pomegranate yields roughly 1 cup of arils.
• If bits of white pith mix with the arils, place them in a bowl of water. The pith will float so you can scoop it away; then drain the seeds in a colander.
• Store arils in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze them for up to three months.
• If you prefer not to handle the fruit directly, there are handheld deseeder tools available that simplify the process.

Pomegranate recipe ideas

• Arugula beet salad with pomegranate arils
• Holiday winter salad with citrus and seeds
• Kale and apple salad topped with arils
• Pomegranate smoothie or breakfast bowls

Did you try this method? If so, leave a review below and share how you used your arils.